I agree that a 13 percent increase is not acceptable. [But] it's a preliminary budget - a place to start.

It's not fair to Brandon Cox and our offense to get in a hole 10-0, ... It's not acceptable and can't happen any more. I thought we were passive, especially early. It allowed the quarterback to get in a rhythm and have some easy throws. Once our guys got their confidence and started tightening down, I thought we did okay.

In such a budget, should NASA receive almost a 6 percent increase? Is it the highest domestic spending priority? I don't think so, and I doubt my colleagues will either,

I think this puts the odds of a rate increase at their June 29-30 meeting at about 50 percent.

This is not part of their budget.

Once you agree, then pinky swear and spit-shake that you will both stick to the budget.